Question

In which sentence is the underlined clause an adjective clause?

Answer 1

Answer:

The underlined clause is an adjective clause in sentence B.

Explanation:

Sentence b contains a nonessential relative clause. Relative clauses, also called adjective clauses, postmodify nouns and are introduced by relative pronouns. In this case, this nonessential relative clause has been introduced by the pronoun which. The clause is considered nonessential because the information it provides is not necessary to complete the meaning of the sentence. If it was removed, the sentence would still represent a complete thought and have the same meaning (see 1). That is why it is offset from the rest of the sentence with commas.

1) Chicken pox can be spread through coughs and sneezes.  

Answer 2

Answer: In sentence B., the underlined clause is an adjective clause "Chicken pox, (which causes bumps on the skin,) can be spread through coughs and sneezes".

Explanation: An adjective clause is a subordinate clause, that is to say a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence, which modifies and describes a noun that precedes it. An adjective clause is introduced by a relative pronoun, such as "which" or "that". Among the sentences provided, B. "Chicken pox, (which causes bumps on the skin,) can be spread through coughs and sneezes" is the only one that includes an adjective clause. "Which causes bumps on the skin" is modifying the noun phrase that precedes it ("chicken pox") and providing additional information about it. Moreover, it has been introduced by the relative pronoun "which". In contrast, in A. and D., the underlined clauses are modifying a verb, while in C. the underlined clause is a noun clause.